Lamar Neagle named Sounders FC’s Humanitarian of the Year

That is a quote from Sounders FC’s Lamar Neagle, who on Friday was named the team’s Humanitarian of the Year in recognition for his service in the community. The Federal Way native made more than 25 appearances throughout the season and started his own charitable program called The Neagle Foundation.

“A great honor; it’s nice to kind of get that,” said Neagle, who will also be nominated for MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Year. “I have a manager who helps out with all my community work, and it’s a tribute to him, as well — Rich Martin.”

And why is it important for him to give back?

“I just feel kind of that you should,” he explained. “I’m in a position where I can lend my voice to a few different causes and be a good role model for kids. I figure, why not? I had a couple good role models myself when I was first in the league who did the same thing. We’ve also had guys on the Seattle Sounders who have given back. James Riley being one of the main ones for me. Roger Levesque. Taylor Graham. Just looking up to those guys in my first couple years here and kind of doing the same thing.”

Neagle, 26, was named the MLS W.O.R.K.S. Humanitarian of the Month for August for his work in the community. Previous winners of Sounders FC’s Humanitarian of the Year award were David Estrada (2012), Riley (2010-11) and Graham (2009).